Vidalia onions are now being enjoyed from Houlton to Madawaska!!! The club wants to thank everyone who helped make this year's fundraiser an over-the-top success. This was a record sales year! Again, THANK YOU one and all.

This is the latest on the Vidalia Onions delivery. The onions are scheduled to be delivered to the “old” Graphic Utilities building on Cheney Grove Road, Fort Fairfield late Friday. Two pick up times are now scheduled: Saturday, May 18, 8am – 12 noon, and Monday, May 20, 3pm – 6pm. In the picture the building location is shown on Cheney Grove Road which is off High Street / South Caribou Road / Rt 161. Just west of the traffic light.

We have just been advised by the Vadalia onion growers in Georgia that the onion harvest period this year is going to be delayed one, maybe two weeks. We will publish a revised pick up period schedule as soon as delivery becomes firm. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Dan Foster, longtime Town Manager, is greeted by Ken Hensler, longtime Rotarian and week's Program Host, and then takes a question from a Rotarian.

Dan Foster, Fort Fairfield Town Manager, dropped by the regularly scheduled club meeting and discussed current and future town budget considerations. Dan noted that with the current atmosphere in the state capital, budgeting at the municipal level is definitely a challenge.

Of course the primary challenge is paying for appropriate municipality-provided services and educational needs, while keeping citizens taxes at a level that not only encourages current residents to remain in Fort Fairfield but attracts others to move into the community. While there is no “silver bullet” solution that will satisfy everyone, Dan and the Town Council are working diligently to find a middle-ground solution that is appropriate given the town’s current tax base and other available funding resources.

Paul Towle, Rotarian, welcomes Nancy Chandler, Maine Public Service, who then explains ductless-heat pump systems efficiency.

Nancy Chandler, Maine Public Service, spoke at the Fort Fairfield Rotary Club weekly meeting. Nancy explained heat pump systems operation as well as recent developments that enable the systems to work efficiently in the very cold temperatures experienced during The County winters.

Additionally it was noted that heat pump systems can be integrated into existing home heating systems in such a way as to not only supply heat to the home but also provide ductless air-conditioning as well as domestic hot water needs.

Addressing the ductless heat pump systems, Nancy pointed out that there are now various incentives in place, including rebate and financing programs, which may make it attractive to home owners to install these systems as supplemental heating/cooling sources in existing and new-construction homes.

March is Rotary International’s designated Literacy Month. Rotary clubs around the world are encouraged to make literacy the local club’s focus during this month. In keeping with this charge, the Fort Fairfield Rotary Club teamed with the Fort Fairfield Elementary School (FFES) to bring Mr. Tim Caverly, noted author of Allagash Tails and Tales books, to FFES grades 3 - 5 to help encourage reading. Tim delighted the students with stories about the Allagash Waterway which included “Andy the Wayward Moose”, “Marvin the Merganser”, a “flying” pig, and an Allagash “haunting”.

Sue Towle's and John Ala's 5th grade classes are ready for an adventure

Heather Rogers' and Megan Flannigan's 4th grade classes want to hear about "Andy the Wayward Moose"

Karen Wark's and Ashley Bouchard's 3rd grade classes anticipate an Allagash "haunting"

Tim Caverly reads an adventure to the classes

Autograph signing time

The Fort Fairfield Rotary Club has selected the third school year-quarter Rotary Spirit Student Award (RSSA) Program recipients. Sarah Owens, a tenth grader, and Thomas Krause, a ninth grader, at Fort Fairfield High School were honored at a recent Rotary Club breakfast. Each recipient received a certificate recognizing their academic achievement, citizenship, and personal development during the award period January-February 2013. Sarah was accompanied by her parents Joe and Jamie Owens, and nominating faculty member Garrett Martin. Thomas was accompanied by his parents John and Terri Krause, his brother Nick, and nominating teacher Sharon Kozura.

The RSSA Program recognizes student achievement in academics, citizenship, and personal development across grades nine through twelve. Sarah and Thomas are eligible to receive the Rotary Spirit Student of the Year award from amongst eight period recipients. The Student of the Year is recognized at a club breakfast, receives an achievement certificate, has their photo displayed on a perpetual plaque at the school for the following school year, and receives a $300 award at the school’s annual Awards Program.

Front row (left-right): Joe Owens, father, Sarah Owens, recipient, Jamie Owens, mother:
Back row (left-right): Garrett Martin, nominating faculty member, Wayne Troicke, RSSA Program presenter.

Front row (left-right): Nick Krause, brother, Thomas Krause, recipient, Terri Krause, mother
Back row (left-right): Wayne Troicke, RSSA Program presenter, John Krause, father, Sharon Kozura, nominating faculty member. 

Kerri Watson-Blaisdell, club Program Hostess, welcomes Tim Doak, Facility Engineer, The Aroostook Medical Center (TAMC), and Tim prepares to answer a question from the floor.

At a recent club breakfast meeting Tim Doak provided an informative presentation concerning TAMC’s planning for the Fort Fairfield Community Health Center complex. Tim explained that the situation is extremely complex and difficult considering that TAMC currently uses only approximately 20 per cent of the available complex space, but due to a three-phase original building and additions process has to provide facility services for the entire complex at a high annual cost.

TAMC and the Town of Fort Fairfield have been holding ongoing meetings at which various complex dispositions have been discussed. Possibilities range from converting the existing facility to another use in its current/modified configuration to demolition and converting the grounds into a community park.

Tim emphasized that TAMC is currently committed to providing a health care facility in Fort Fairfield independent from the current buildings disposition.

On this day, snow still sought to cover the Kipp Park Recreational Area plaque and drifted snow banks remaining from the snowmobile radar runs at Monson Pond reminded us that winter is still with us. But, only a few hundred feet away, some open water at the damn hinted that spring may be just around the corner.

With that hope in mind, Tony Levesque (right), Fort Fairfield Economic Development Coordinator, accepts a check from Carl Young, Rotary Club President, to support plans to replace the deteriorated and removed boat ramp this spring. A new dock will support powerboat launching by water enthusiasts and fishermen as well as kayak/canoe launch and recovery by the local school systems after hours programs.

Left to right:  Lead Advisor: Border Patrol Agent Thomas Waskovich, Post Explorer in Charge: Derrick Hebert and Post Coordinator: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent John Krause.

The Learning for Life Law Enforcement Explorer Program, Post 194, led by the Fort Fairfield Border Patrol Station stopped by the Fort Fairfield Rotary Club to conduct a presentation about the new Explorer Program. The Explorer Program is a Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life Program. Post 194 was established in August 2012 and members come from many communities in The County as far north as Madawaska, west to Woodland, and south to Blaine.

The Learning for Life Law Enforcement Explorer Program is for young men and women ages 14 – 20. In general the main career clusters are in the fields of aviation, law enforcement, skilled trades, business, health, law, communications, science, engineering, social services, fire and emergency services, as well as arts and humanities. Exploring instills a sense of self-confidence, leadership, citizenship and service.

As explorers the youths learn important skills such as team building, public speaking, and interviewing techniques. They also learn organizational skills to help them organize their time to accomplish tasks for school and extra-curricular activities.

Youths participating in the explorer program receive career information as well as insight into future vocations. They receive a positive alternative to negative youth activities and gain a sense of acceptance and belonging to the “right” group. The program also provides a safe environment for adult-like activities that give the young men and women the opportunity to participate in practical, real, and meaningful hands-on experiences. The Explorer Program also provides the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills as well as other essential skills while conducting community services to improve their communities.

By participating in the Explorer program with the Fort Fairfield Border Patrol Station, young men and women learn about the border patrol and the job skills necessary to pursue a career as a border patrol agent or in other law enforcement fields. They also are able to better inform the community, schools and peers about the border patrol and the border patrol mission.

In the near future the border patrol hopes to integrate the explorer program with their local law enforcement counterparts to widen the spectrum of skills the explorers learn.

Bill Campbell, Fort Fairfield Rotarian, spoke to the club about service project opportunities in Guatemala. Bill described various potential projects which included medical and educational facilities construction, supplying composting latrine units, and Personal Energy Transportation (PET^®) vehicles manufacturing and distribution.

PET^® vehicles are three-wheeled, hand-“peddled” tricycle-like machines (see photos) that provide mobility to those who have lost the use of their legs. The PET^® vehicles are manufactured in three sizes from child to adult.

In many areas these vehicles are used to provide gainful employment by being modified to pull street vendor carts, carry materials for recycling, and other such transportation-required occupations.

PET® is a Personal Energy Transportation International, Inc. registered mark.

Tim Caverly answers a question (left) and is thanked by club president, Carl Young.

Tim Caverly, longtime ranger with the Maine Department of Conservation, and Allagash Region supervisor, spoke at a recent club meeting describing several “adventures” while working in the Allagash region. Tim is now retired, lives in Millinocket, and has authored books in the Allagash Tails and Tales series. Multiple books written for various age levels capture the Allagash Wilderness lifestyle and almost day-to-day adventures experienced by Tim while working in the region.

Tim also described the restoration of the 3,000-foot-long, steam-powered tramway capable of hauling logs from Big Eagle Lake and dumping them into Chamberlain Lake during the Big Woods timber industries’ younger days some 100+ years ago. During its six year service the tramway transported more than 100 million board feet of timber before being replaced by the Eagle Lake and West Branch Railroad.

The Fort Fairfield Rotary Club selected the second school year-quarter award recipients. Victoria Plourde, a twelfth grader, and Josh Ricker, a nineth grader, were honored at a recent Rotary Club breakfast. Each recipient received a certificate recognizing their academic achievement, citizenship, and personal development during the award period November and December 2012. Victoria was accompanied by her parents Ed and Laurie Plourde, grandparents Al and Brenda Saucier, and co-nominating faculty members Jamie Selfridge and Kerri Alley. Josh was accompanied by his parents Kevin and Viola Ricker together with his nominating teacher Garrett Martin. Fort Fairfield High School principal, Tanya Belanger, also attended.

The RSSA Program recognizes student achievement in academics, citizenship, and personal development across grades nine through twelve. Each school-year quarter a girl and boy recipient is selected by the club from nominations provided by the high school faculty/staff. The recipients receive an achievement certificate and their photo is displayed on individual plaques at the school for a period following their award receipt.

At school year’s end a Rotary Spirit Student of the Year is chosen by the club from amongst the period winners (eight total). The Student of the Year is recognized at a club breakfast, receives an achievement certificate, has their photo displayed on a perpetual plaque at the school for the following school year, and receives a $300 award at the school’s annual Awards Program.

Front center – Victoria Plourde: First row – Kerrie Alley, faculty co-nominator, Brenda Saucier, grandmother, Laurie Plourde, mother, Tanya Belanger, FFHS Principal: Second row – Tracy Copeland, RSSA Program Chair, Al Saucier, grandfather, Ed Plourde, father, Jamie Selfridge, faculty co-nominator

Front center – Josh Ricker: Left-to-right – Tracy Copeland, RSSA Program Chair, Viola Ricker, mother, Kevin Ricker, father, Garrett Martin, faculty nominator, Tanya Bellanger, FFHS Principal.

The Fort Fairfield Rotary Club held its annual “Christmas with the Students” program at the local high school Wednesday, December 12th. This traditional program was started over 15 years ago as a time for Rotarians, and school staff and students, to get together during the holiday season. The program highlight is when the club members collect “happy dollars” which are then presented to the school staff to purchase warm clothing such as gloves, mittens, caps, and the like for elementary school students who may have need for these warm wintertime items.

As part of the club program the high school choral group, led by Mari-Jo Hedman, offered seasonal music and the Rotary club members joined in on sing-along pieces. In attendance from the Fort Fairfield school system were Marc Gendron, Superintendent, Tanya Belanger, High School Principal, and Sue Parks, Elementary School Principal. The school’s Students Baking-a-Living class and Judy Saucier, Cafeteria provided a delicious breakfast meal.

The Fort Fairfield Rotary Club partnering for the second Rotary Spirit Student Award Program-year with the local high school, have selected the first school year-quarter award recipients. Hannah Holbrook, a ninth grader, and Kyle Doody, a twelfth grader, were honored at a recent Rotary Club breakfast. Each recipient received a certificate recognizing their academic achievement, citizenship, and personal development during the award period September and October 2012. Hannah was accompanied by her mother Tiny Holbrook and her nominating teacher Sharon Kozura while Kyle was accompanied by his mother Jeannine Doody and other family members, in addition to his nominating teacher Garrett Martin.

The Rotary Spirit Student Award Program seeks to recognize student achievement in academics, citizenship, and personal development across grades nine through twelve. Each award period Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec, Jan/Feb, and Mar/Apr a girl and boy recipient are selected by the club from nominations provided by the high school faculty/staff.

Each recipient receives an achievement certificate and their photo is display on individual plaques at the school for a period following their award receipt. At school year’s end a Rotary Spirit Student of the Year is chosen by the club from amongst the eight period winners. The Student of the Year is recognized at a club breakfast, receives an achievement certificate, has their photo displayed on a perpetual plaque at the school for the following school year, and receives a $300 award at the school’s annual Awards Program.

Hannah Holbrook (front center) shown with her mother Tiny Holbrook (front left) and her nominating teacher Sharon Kozura (front right). Tracy Copeland, RSSA Program Chairman is shown in back.

Kyle Doody (first row right) shown with his sister Sydney Doody (front), his mother Jeannine Doody (first row left) and grandmother Joyce Doody (first row center). Garrett Martin (back left) nominating teacher, is shown with Tracy Copeland, RSSA Program Chairman.

The Fort Fairfield Rotary Club together with the Knights of Columbus, other local service organizations, and community volunteers continued a holiday tradition and provided the 26th Annual Seniors/Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the VFW Hall.

With holiday music provided by “Dan and Friends”, the Fort Fairfield High School Girls Basketball Team acting as hostesses and servers, and community volunteers serving as drivers approximately 175 Thanksgiving Day dinners were provided to community seniors as well as homebound citizens who might not otherwise have had a Thanksgiving Day dinner to enjoy. Surplus prepared dinners were donated and delivered to the Homeless Shelter of Aroostook.

A big THANK YOU goes out to all those that made this holiday tradition such a success.

(Click here to view photos)

(Left to right) Leigh Cummings, Rotary District 7810 Immediate-Past President, joins Fort Fairfield Rotarians Kerri Watson-Blaisdell, Dale Ames, and Carl Young at a recent Rotary Training Seminar.

The seminar was conducted by District 7810 representatives, and concentrated on membership and retention, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and Future Vision, and public relations. Within the membership segment fellowship, mentorship, and engagement were stressed. Future Vision was introduced during the TRF segment and included an update on Rotary’s Polio Eradication project which is nearing its planet-wide eradication goal. The importance of public relations was stressed as being an integral part of all Rotary club activities in order to keep the community and Rotarians knowledgeable with respect to club activities.

Pam Scheppele (right), President, Jefferson Cary Foundation (JCF), Mary Harrigan (left), Executive Director JCF, and Dr. Shawn Laferrier, Medical Director – Radiology Department, Cary Medical Center recently visited the Fort Fairfield Rotary Club providing information and a presentation on the new Women’s Imaging Center at the Cary Medical Center facility.

Dr. Laferrier noted that in addition to new state-of-the-art equipment the facility takes a new approach to the patient-staff/facility interface that radically reduces the stress and anxiety that typically accompanies patient visits. The facility has been expanded to provide for easier check-in as well as providing a much more comfortable at-home environment. Additionally, the new state-of-the-art equipment reduces radiation exposure, provides clearer digital imaging, and makes it possible to provide almost real-time patient feedback.

Additional information concerning the facility may be obtained by contacting Pam Scheppele at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-888-377-9373.

Dr. Shawn answers a question during his presentation. The thermometer chart at left reflects that the JCF is well on its way to reaching its Capital Improvement Program’s financial goal to complete the Women’s Imaging Center at Cary Medical Center.

WOW! Did we have a great weekend, or what!!!

Friday afternoon many Rotarians turned out at the Fort Fairfield Community Center to help set up for the 26th Annual Rotary Dream Travel Draw, the clubs primary annual fundraiser. Saturday from early morning to midnight virtually the whole club turned out at various times for more set up, decorating, and the actual event Saturday evening.

Hundreds of the club’s faithful Rotary supporters came out to enjoy the social hour, a delicious evening meal of chicken cordon bleu, steak and all the “fixings” plus desert, prepared and served by the local Lion’s Club, and dancing to live music provided by the Sound Friendships band. Some wicked good sounds. Sunday morning Rotarians again came out for final clean-up.

The Fort Fairfield Rotary Club wants to give a SHOUT OUT to all our dedicated and faithful supporters for making this weekend such a success. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used throughout the year to support many programs and projects in our community, the region, and internationally.

We would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to come out to our meetings which are held every Wednesday morning from 7-8:00am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church annex, 170 Main Street, Fort Fairfield.

Click here to see event photos. (May take a few seconds to open)

Congratulations to the winners!!!